Elena Syraka created her first jewels while at school, without realizing this would ultimately be her calling. After studying at the Veloudakis Fashion School in Athens, she went on to ESMOD in Paris, where she decided to focus on jewelry design. Her official debut in the field was in 1995, and about a decade later she decided to focus exclusively on fine jewelry, leaving behind her experimentations with less valuable materials. Her designs balance between opposite elements, such as the masculine and the feminine, the strict and the fluent.
With a passion for ancient civilizations and a deep interest in the Greek history and heritage, Elena Syraka offers contemporary interpretation of classical symbols, which is apparent in her «Idols» collection, referencing the ancient Cycladic civilization, and the most most recent «Nour» collection, inspired by exhibits of the Islamic branch of the Benaki Museum in Athens. Her iconic creations prove her right in believing that a jewel can add a distinct sense of style to even the most nondescript of outfits. Gold and leather are her favorite materials, and her knowledge of Gemology allows Elena Syraka to make the most out of gemstones. All her jewelry is exclusively handcrafted in Athens, while some collections come in limited edition numbered pieces.
Reaching her 20th anniversary as jewelry designer, Elena Syraka is happy to see her «Nour» collection being exhibited in major museums around the world, and currently works on a new collection inspired by Minoan and Mycenaean antiquities. Her creations are sold though her personal website, at www.kultia.com and other selected online retailers and stores, such as the Hellenis Jewelry store situated at the Olympic Tower in New York, and at Ileana Makri’s eponymous shop at Kolonaki, Athens.
Credits
Direction & Post Production: Alexis Skoulidis
Camera – Director of Photography: George Georgoulakis (www.georgegeorgoulakis.com)
Production Sound Mixer: Aris Mystridis
Make-up artist: Roula Lymperopoulou
Interview & Texts: Paris Kormaris
Project Manager: Agapi Tsakpinoglou
via LoveGreece.com
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